Photographic product



Nov. 21, 1961 v. K. ELORANTA PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCT 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 7,1959

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ATTORNEYS Unite rates Ware Filed May 7, 1959, Ser. No. 811,683 19 Claims. (Cl. 95-13) This invention relates to photographic products and more particularly to improvements in photographic film assemblages of the type including sheet materials which are moved within the assemblage.

A number of different forms of film assemblages have been proposed which comprise sheet materials that are moved with respect to one another within the assemblage, and in many of these assemblages, a sheet is required to be rolled back upon itself so as to reverse the relative positions of its ends and surfaces. This presents many problems particularly when the sheet to be rolled back upon itself is confined between other layers or sheets and is secured against movement in the direction of rolling at a portion thereof spaced from another portion of the sheet where rolling is to commence. Among these problems are the tendency of the sheet to break and commence rolling at some portion other than where desired and to move as a unit without breaking and rolling upon itself.

Accordingly, objects of the invention are: to provide in a photographic film assemblage, including a sheet adapted to be rolled upon itself so as to reverse the rel ative position of portions and the surfaces of said sheet, means for so weakening a portion of said sheet as to insure breaking and commencement of rolling of said sheet at a particular portion thereof; and to provide a film assemblage of the type described wherein said sheet is weakened by providing therein a series of spaced perforations located in a line extending transversely of the direction of roll of said sheet and from side to side thereof.

Other objects of the invention are: to provide in a film assemblage of the type described and including a pair of elements spaced apart from one another and adapted to be superposed with one another within the assemblage, a connecting sheet for joining the elements and for moving the elements into superposition with one another and leader means joined to the connecting sheet for moving one of the elements into superposition with the other while the latter is held stationary, the connecting sheet having a plurality of spaced perforations extending substantially from side to side thereof in the region wherein the leader means is joined to the connecting sheet; and to provide a film assemblage of the type described wherein the portion of said connecting sheet which is rolled upon itself comprises a pair of superposed sheets each having a plurality of spaced perforations located in overlying regions and extending from side to side of the superposed sheets in a line which extends transversely of the direction of rolling of the connecting sheet.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the product possessing the features, properties and the relation of components which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary perspective view, partially in section, of a component of a film assemblage embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a portion of the component shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the invention;

FIG. 4 is a somewhat schematic, sectional view of a film assemblage embodying the invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the assemblage of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a component of the assemblage of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 9 is a somewhat schematic sectional view of a camera of the type in which the film assemblage of the invention is adapted to be employed.

The present invention finds utility in a plurality of different types of film assemblages, for one example of which reference is now made to FIGS. 1 through 8 of the drawings wherein there is illustrated a film assemblage embodying the invention and adapted to be employed in photographic apparatus, such as a camera, wherein components of said assemblage can be exposed and processed to produce photographic prints. The film assemblage, designated 42, comprises a plurality of film units 10, each including a photosensitive sheet, and a second or image-receiving sheet 14.

The photosensitive sheet is generally rectangular and comprises a layer of photosensitive material carried on a suitable support. The photosensitive material may comprise any of the materials usually employed in pho tography including, for example, the silver halides or other photosensitive heavy metal salts capable of having a developable latent image formed therein by exposure to actinic light, the ferric salts and the diazonium compounds. The support for the photosensitive layer may comprise any of the flexible sheet materials generally used for film base, including paper, plastics, metallic foils and the like, and is preferably opaque to light actinic to the photosensitive material or includes a layer which is opaque to actinic light. Second sheet 14 is at least coextensive in area with the area or frame of the photosensitive sheet which is to be exposed and also comprises a flexible sheet material such as paper, plastic and the like. The second sheet in the form shown is substantially equal in width to, but slightly shorter than, the photosensitive sheet and is also opaque to light actinic to the photosensitive material. While the second sheet may merely aid in the spreading of a fluid processing composition in a thin layer on the photosensitive sheet, in a preferred form of the film unit the second sheet is adapted to provide a support for a positive transfer image produced, for example, by a silver halide diffusion transfer reversal process such as described in U.S. Patents Nos. 2,543,181, issued February 27, 1951, and 2,662,822, issued December 15, 1953, both in the name of Edwin H. Land. The second sheet accordingly may comprise an image-receiving layer such as described in the abovementioned patents carried on a flexible support sheet.

Photosensitive sheet 12 is mounted on a first carrier sheet 16 formed of a flexible sheet material such as paper, plastic, and the like, and preferably of a material such as glassine paper which has a highly calendered, smooth surface. lFirst carrier sheet 16 may be adapted to perform a multiplicity of functions including providing a leader a for connecting the photosensitive and second sheets, posiand, in one embodiment, collecting any excess processing fluid. In the form shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, carrier sheet 16 is substantially equal in width to photosensitive sheet 12 and is provided at one end, called its leading end, with a narrower leader portion 18. The opposite or trailing end of the carrier sheet is secured to the leading end of photosensitive sheet 12. This may be accomplished by adhering the photosensitive sheet directly to the carrier sheet by a suitable adhesive or by providing a narrow connecting member or strip. In an alternative embodiment of film unit 10, carrier sheet 16 may be of sufficient length so as to extend behind and beyond the trailing edge of the photosensitive sheet providing a trailing end portion for collecting excess processing fluid in a manner to be described hereinafter. In this last-mentioned embodiment, the photosensitive and image-receiving sheets may be substantially equal in length.

A second carrier sheet 20 is provided for mounting second or image-receiving sheet 14 and, like first carrier sheet 16, is adapted to perform a multiplicity of functions which include determining the area of the photosensitive and second sheets which are to be processed by a layer of a processing fluid spread between the sheets. Carrier sheet 20 comprises, in the form shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a tapered leading end section 22, an intermediate section 24 at least coextensive with second sheet 14 and a relatively short trailing end section 26. Second sheet 14 is mounted on intermediate section 24 with the imagereceiving layer of sheet 14 disposed adjacent carrier sheet 20. Intermediate section 24 is provided with a generally rectangular aperture 28 defining the area of the image-receiving sheet in contact with which the fluid processing composition is spread and wherein a transfer image may be produced. The lateral margins of intermediate section 24 bordering the sides of aperture 28, cooperate in a manner to be described for confining the processing fluid between the sheets and for controlling the thickness of the layer of fluid spread between the sheets. Trailing end section 26 extends beyond the trailing edge of second sheet 14 and is adapted to cooperate with either the trailing end of the photosensitive sheet or, in the alternative embodiment, with the trailing end of first carrier sheet 16, for collecting excess processing fluid.

The end of leading end section 22 is secured to first carrier sheet 16 intermediate the leading end of the first carrier sheet and the leading edge of photosensitive sheet 12 with the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive sheet and the image-receiving layer of the second sheet in faceto-face relation and with the leading edges of photosensi-, tive and second sheets 12 and 14 substantially in alignment with one another. In the assembled form of the film unit shown, the trailing edge of second carrier sheet 20 should be disposed substantially in alignment with the trailing edge of photosensitive sheet 12. In the alternative embodiment wherein the photosensitive and second sheets are of substantially equal length and first carrier sheet 16 extends behind and beyond the trailing edge of the photosensitive sheet, the trailing edge of second carrier sheet 20 is in substantial alignment with the trailing edge of the first carrier sheet.

A leader sheet 30, substantially coextensive with leading end section 22 of carrier sheet 20, is provided secured at its trailing end to the leading edge of second sheet 14 at the surface thereof opposite carrier sheet 20, and at its leading edge to carrier sheet 16 at approximately the same location as is the leading edge of leading end section 22. Leader sheet 30 is provided with a tapered tear-out pontion designated 32 and defined by a series of die cut lines 34 which extend from an aperture 36 in leader sheet 30 intermediate its ends and sides. Die cut lines 34 extend from aperture 36 outwardly toward the margins of leader sheet 30 where the latter is attached to second sheet 14. -Tearout section 32 provides means whereby, following processing of the photosensitive and image-receiving sheets, the image-receiving sheet may be separated from the photosensitive sheet and second carrier sheet 21). This is accomplished, for example, by inserting a fingernail into aperture 36 so as to grasp the narrowest portion of tear-out section 32 and tearing the latter along die cut lines 34 toward the leading edge of second sheet 14, and then employing the tearout portion for peeling the second sheet away from carrier sheet 20 and photosensitive sheet 12. The bond between the tear-out portion of leader sheet 3 3 and the leading edge of the image-receiving sheet will, of course, be stronger than the bond between the image-receiving sheet and second carrier sheet 21) in order for stripping to occur.

The photosensitive and second sheets are adapted to be processed by a fluid composition carried in a rupturable container 38 mounted on either of carrier sheets 16 and 20 adjacent the leading edge of the photosensitive or second sheet which is secured to the particular carrier sheet. Container 38 is formed substantially as shown in the above-mentioned US. Patent No. 2,543,181 and comprises a rectangular blank of fluidand vapor-impervious sheet material, folded longitudinally upon itself to provide two walls which are bonded together at their margins to form an elongated cavity for the processing fluid. The longitudinal seal is weaker than the shorter end seals and is adapted to become unsealed in response to hydraulic pressure generated within the fluid contents of the container by the application of compressive pressure to the container. Container 38, in the form shown in FIG. 1, is mounted on first carrier sheet 16 intermediate the leading edge of photosenstive sheet 12 and the point at which the second carrier sheet is secured to the first carrier sheet. The container extends substantially from side to side of the carrier sheet and the fluid cavity of the container is preferably at least as wide as aperture 28 in the intermediate section of the second carrier sheet. The longitudinal edge of the container, which is adapted to become unsealed, is located facing the photosensitive sheet and closest the leading edge thereof. In an alternative form of film unit, container 38 is mounted on leading end section 22 of second carrier sheet 20 adjacent the leading edge of second sheet 14. Container 38, as shown in FIG. 2, is secured to carrier sheet 2t) with the longitudinal edge of the container, which is adapted to become unsealed, located nearest the second sheet by a hinge strip 40 secured at the opposite longitudinal edge of the container.

Film unit 10, when assembled in position for exposure, is disposed with carrier sheet 16 folded adjacent the leading edge of photosensitive sheet 12 so that the photosensitive sheet faces away from the image-receiving sheet in the same direction as the latter. In this position of the film unit, first carrier sheet 16 extends between the photosensitive and image-receiving sheets toward the leading end of the image-receiving sheet and the trailing end of the photosensitive sheet. Leading end section 22 of second carrier sheet 2%) is folded inwardly between the photosensitive and print-receiving sheets toward the trailing end of the image-receiving sheet and the leading end of the photosensitive sheet so that leading end section 22, leader sheet 30 and container 38 are disposed between the photosensitive and second sheets which are located to the out side of the film unit. Leader portion 18 of first carrier sheet 16 projects from between the leading end of the image-receiving sheet and the trailing end of the photosensitive sheet to provide means for manipulating the film unit so as to position the photosensitive and image-receiving sheets in superposed, aligned relation.

A plurality of film units 10 are combined to form an assemblage or film pack 42 shown in FIGS. 4 through 7 of the drawings. Film pack 42 comprises means in the form of a generally parallelpiped shaped box or container 44 for enclosing the film units. Container 44 is adapted to fabrication from thin sheet material such as stiff paper, cardboard, sheet metal, plastic and the like, and comprises a rectangular forward wall 4-6 and a rear wall 48, joined by side walls 59, a trailing end wall 52 and a leading end wall 54. A rectangular exposed aperture 56 is provided in forward wall 46 for exposing the photosensitive sheets of film units positioned within container 4-:- and leading end wall 54 is provided with a slot 58 intermediate the forward and rear walls for withdrawing film units from the container.

Mounted within container 44 is a substantially fiat and rigid pressure plate at) having dependent flanges 62. Pressure plate 649' is so dimensioned and disposed within the container as to extend substantially from end to end thereof with flanges 62 located closely adjacent the side walls of the container and extending rearwardly so as to abut against rear wall 48.

Each film unit It of the film pack is disposed within container 44 with the photosensitive sheet of the film unit located forward of pressure plate 60 between the latter and forward wall 46. The first carrier sheet 16 of each film unit is bent around the trailing end of the pressure plate, and the second sheet 14-, first carrier sheet 16, second carrier sheet 20 and container 38 are disposed behind the pressure plate between the latter and rear wall 48. Each of the plurality of film units provided in box 44 is arranged in the same manner, with the photosensitive sheets disposed in one stack forward of the pressure plate and the second sheets disposed in another stack to the rear of the pressure plate. The photosensitive sheets in this position extend across aperture 56 in position to be exposed through the aperture and the second sheets are loosely contained to the rear of the pressure plate between flanges 62.

Means are provided for preventing light from entering aperture 56 and/or 58 and exposing the photosensitive sheets. In the form shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, this means comprises an envelope 64 secured around the stack of photosensitive sheets 12 within box 44. Envelope 64 is provided with an aperture 66 in its forward wall which is substantially coextensive with aperture 56 in forward wall 46 whereby the photosensitive sheets positioned with in the envelope may be exposed. A pair of cover sheets 68 are provided located in superposed relation across aperture 56 and aperture 66 between forward wall to of box 44 and the forward wall of envelope 64. Envelope 64 and cover sheets 68 are formed of a light-opaque material, for example black paper, plastic and the like, and two cover sheets are provided in superposition in order to preclude any chance of exposure of the foremost photosensitive sheet due to minute holes in the cover sheets. Leader 76 is connected to the leading ends of the cover sheets at a location near the trailing end of the film pack and extends around the trailing end of the pressure plate between the second sheets and rear wall 48 of box 44 and thence through slot 58 at the leading end of the box. While there is little or no possibility of light entering slot 53, exposing the photosensitive sheets, this is positively precluded by the arrangement of envelope 6%- and cover sheets 68 Whose primary function is to cooperate with forward wall 46 to provide a lighttight baflle sealing exposure aperture 56 against the admission of light.

The film pack of the invention is adapted to be employed in a camera or other lighttight apparatus having an opening through which leaders 18, and the film units which said leaders comprise, may be withdrawn from the apparatus. When a film pack has been positioned in the apparatus, cover sheets 68 are withdrawn from the pack by drawing on leader 76- which projects through slot 58 in leading end wall 54. The cover sheets are thus drawn around the trailing end of pressure plate 60 behind the latter and from container 44, thereby leaving aperture 56 uncovered and permitting exposure of the photosensitive sheets. Following exposure of the foremost photosensitive sheet 12 located adjacent forward wall 46, the leader portion 18 and first carrier sheet 16 comprising the same film unit as the exposed photosensitive sheet, are drawn through slot 58 from container 44. As first carrier sheet 16 moves through slot 55, the photosensitive sheet 12 connected thereto is drawn around the trailing end of the pressure plate behind the pressure plate into superposed registered relation With the second sheet 1-icomprising the film unit. In the form of film pack shown in FIG. 4, as the photosensitive sheet is being moved into registration with the second sheet, container 38, mounted on first carrier sheet to is moved toward tie leading end of the second sheet, and second carrier sheet 2d and leader sheet 30 are caused to roll progressively from the leading end thereof toward their trailing ends While the second sheet 14 remains substantially motionless within container 44.

Rolling of second carrier sheet 2i) and leader sheet 30 should start along a transverse line at the leading ends of the sheets in the region of their attachment to first carrier sheet in. There is a tendency on the part of the carrier sheet to move as a unit and to start to roll adjacent the leading end of second sheet 14 because of the confinement of the carrier sheet between other sheets and due to the inherent stiffness of the carrier sheet. Accordingly, provision is made for weakening second carrier sheet 29 and leader sheet 30 in a particular region so as to insure that they will break, or fold, and commence rolling more readily in the region of their attachment to the first carrier sheet. It is for this reason that the second carrier sheet and leader sheet are tapered so as to provide the least resistance to folding or breaking at their narrowest portions which occur at their point of attachment to the first carrier sheet.

Manufacture and assembly of the film units is considerably facilitated when the second carrier sheet 20 and leader sheet 3% are not required to be tapered in order to insure breaking and commencement of roll along a particular line. The present invention contemplates other means for appreciably weakening the sheets in the region of their attachment to the first carrier sheet to insure breaking and commencement of roll in this region. This means takes the form shown in FIG. 3 and comprises a series of apertures or holes 86 formed in second carrier sheet 20 and leader sheet 30, arranged in a line across the sheets from side to side thereof in the region wherein the sheets are attached to the first carrier sheet. Apertures 86 in sheets 20 and 30 appreciably reduce the stiffness or resistance of the sheets to bending or breaking in this area, without lessening to an undesirable degree the strength of the sheets in tension.

While the foremost photosensitive sheet 12 is being drawn around the trailing end of the pressure plate into superposed and registered relation with the second sheet 14 comprising the same film unit, the second sheet and the remaining photosensitive sheets are required to be held substantially stationary with respect to the pressure plate and container 44. Accordingly, means are provided for holding the rearmost second sheet 14 substantially stationary with respect to container 44 while the photosensitive sheet 12, comprising the same film unit, is moved into superposition with the second sheet between the latter and rear wall 48 of the container. This last-mentioned means comprises a portion of pressure plate 60 at the leading edge thereof folded rearwardly and thence toward the pressure plate to provide a rearwardly projecting ramp 88 at the leading end of the pressure plate for displacing the leading end of the rearmost second sheet 14 to the rear of slot 58 so that the leading end of the second sheet is out of alignment with slot 53 and is engaged by leading end wall 54 for preventing movement of the second sheet during movement of first carrier sheet 16 and the foremost photosensitive sheet 12. When second carrier sheet 20 and leader sheet 30 have been completely unrolled and withdrawn through aperture 58, continued withdrawal of the second carrier sheet and leader sheet is effective to bend the leading end of the carrier sheet sufiioiently to move the latter, in superposition with the photosensitive sheet comprising the same film unit, through slot 58 from container 44.

Means are provided on pressure plate 60 at the trailing end thereof for cooperating with the photosensitive sheets to prevent movement of the photosensitive sheets during withdrawal of the foremost photosensitive sheet from the film pack. This last-mentioned means comprises providing a corner 90 having an abrupt edge located at the trailing end of pressure plate 60 in alignment with the leading edges of photosensitive sheets 12. The trailing end section 92 of pressure plate 60 is shaped so as to guide first carrier sheet 16 rearwardly and causing it to bend at the leading edge of the photosensitive sheet 12 to which it is attached. Trailing end section 92 of pressure plate 60 is curved at its rearmost portion to facilitate movement of the photosensitive sheets around the trailing end of the pressure plate. The configuration of trailing end section 92 and corner 90 is such that tension on outermost carrier sheet 16 causes all the photosensitive sheets to be drawn against pressure plate 60 at corner 90, necessitating that the photosensitive sheets bend at this corner in order to move around the corner. The photosensitive sheets, because of their inherent stiffness, provide sufficient resistance to such bending to preclude any movement of the photosensitive sheets due to friction with the foremost photosensitive sheet as the latter is being moved. Because the foremost or outermost photosensitive sheet is not compressed against the pressure plate at corner 90 by any other photosensitive sheet or carrier sheet 16 and is more remote from corner 90, it does not have to bend so sharply, with the result that it is free to bend more easily so as to move around the corner when drawn around the corner by first carrier sheet 16 attached to the foremost photosensitive sheet.

The film pack is adapted to be employed in photographic apparatus such as the camera shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings, and which includes means for spreading the fluid contents of the container of each film unit between the photosensitive and second sheets of the film unit. This fluid-spreading means comprises a pair of juxtaposed members between which the photosensitive and second sheets are moved in superposition for spreading the fluid and may be biased toward one another or may be spaced a fixed distance apart so as to provide a fixed gap through which the sheets are moved. The fluid to be spread between the photosensitive and second sheets is quite viscous and is provided between the sheets so that as the sheets are moved between the pressure-applying members, the fluid is caused to be spread in a thin layer, the thickness of which is a function of the compressive pressure applied by the pressureapplying members and of intermediate section 24 of second carrier sheet 20 located between sheets 12 and 14 during fluid spreading. Intermediate section 24 functions as a mask for spacing apart the pressure-applying members and for defining the areas of the photosensitive and second sheets in which processing occurs by limiting the area of contact between the fluid and second sheet 14 to the region within aperture 28 in intermediate section 24.

As the sheets with the fluid container therebetween are moved between the pressure-applying members, the fluid contents of container 38 are ejected from the container and are advanced relative to and between the photosensitive and second sheets. In order to insure a complete spread of the fluid in a layer of the desired thickness over a predetermined area which is preferably coextensive with aperture 28, the fluid is usually provided in the container in an amount greater than the minimum required for the desired layer. This necessitates the provision of means for collecting any excess fluid which may be spread beyond the end of the desired area to prevent the same from being squeezed from the trailing end of the film unit. This last-mentioned means for collecting and retaining excess fluid comprises trailing end section 26 of second carrier sheet 20 and the corresponding trailing end section of photosensitive sheet 12. In the alternative embodiment previously described wherein first carrier sheet 16 extends behind and beyond the trailing end of the photosensitive sheet, the trailing end portion of the first carrier sheet cooperates with trailing end section 26 to provide the means for trapping and rctaining excess processing fluid. Provision is made for spacing apart the trailing end sections of the sheets comprising the fluidcollecting means as these trailing end sections are moved between the pressure-applying members so as to provide a space between the trailing end sections in which excess fluid is collected. This last-mentioned means in the form shown comprises a pair of spacing elements 98 mounted on trailing end section 26 adjacent the margins thereof. Where the film unit is to be used with pressure-applying members of the type which are spaced a fixed minimum distance apart, which distance is greater than the combined thickness of the two trailing end sections comprising the fluid-collecting means, spacing members 98 may be unnecessary.

Pressure plate 60 is provided in the film pack for supporting photosensitive sheets 12 in position for exposure against forward wall 46 across aperture 56. Resilient means are provided in the camera for biasing the pressure plate toward forward wall 46 and, for this purpose, openings 100 are provided in the rear of the film pack at the intersection of each of side walls 50 and rear wall 48. Openings 100 permit resilient members in the camera to engage flanges 62 on pressure plate 60 for biasing the pressure plate toward the front of the film pack.

Since certain changes may be made in the above product without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A photographic film unit including a leader for manipulating said film unit, said leader comprising a flexible sheet material slidably confined between other elements of said film unit and adapted to be drawn between and in contact with said other elements from one end of said leader toward the opposite end of said leader in such a manner that the positions of the ends of said leader and the surfaces thereof are reversed, said leader being provided with a plurality of perforations, arranged substantially in a line extending from side to side of said leader transversely of the direction in which said leader is drawn and located adjacent the end of said leader at which tension is applied for reversing the position of said leader, for reducing the stiffness of said leader at the last-mentioned end portion thereof to facilitate the bending and commencement of rolling of said leader adjacent said last-mentioned end portion substantially along said line.

2. A photographic film unit comprising a sheet slidably confined between other layers adapted to be rolled back upon itself between and in contact with said other confining layers, said sheet including end portions one of which is adapted to remain substantially stationary while the other is drawn in the direction of said one end portion so as to reverse the relative positions of said end portions and the surfaces of said sheet, said sheet being provided with a plurality of spaced apertures in said other end portion, said apertures extending substantially in a line from side to side of said sheet transversely of the direction of movement of said other end portion and being located adjacent the edge of said other end portion for so reducing the stiffness thereof in the region of said edge that said other end portion will bend and commence rolling adjacent said edge when said other end portion is drawn toward said one end portion between said confining layers.

3. The photographic film unit of claim 2 wherein said one end portion of said sheet is joined at its edge with one of said confining layers and said other end portion of said sheet is joined at its edge with an element extending between said sheet and the other of said confining layers toward said one end portion for drawing said other end portion between said sheet and said other confining layer toward said one end portion.

4. The photographic film unit of claim 2 wherein said sheet is paper.

5. A photographic film unit including at least a pair of elements, a first leader sheet slidably held between a pair of confining layers disposed closely adjacent one another in overlying relation for manipulating said elements, said leader sheet comprising at least a portion having two end portions, one of said end portions being adapted to remain stationary with respect to one of said confining layers while the other of said end portions is drawn in the direction of said one end portion between and in contact with said one end portion and said one confining layer relative to said one confining layer past said one end so as to reverse the relative positions of said ends and the surfaces of said portion of said leader sheet, and a second leader joined with said first leader at said other end portion and extending between said first leader and the other of said confining layers toward said one end portion for drawing said first leader toward said one end portion, said first leader sheet being provided with a plurality of spaced apertures arranged substantially in a line extending transversely of the direction of movement of said leader and from side to side thereof adjacent said other end of said portion for reducing the stiffness of said other end portion in the region of said apertures whereby said other end portion will bend readily and commence rolling at said line of apertures in said other end portion when said other end portion is drawn toward said one end portion.

6. The photographic film unit of claim 5 wherein said first leader is joined at said one end portion with one of said pair of elements and said first leader is confined between a pair of layers including one of said elements.

7. The photographic film unit of claim 5 wherein said leader sheet is paper.

8. A photographic film assemblage comprising, in combination, a first element, a second element positioned apart from said first element and adapted to be drawn into superposition with said first element, a leader sheet connecting said first and second elements for drawing said second element into superposition with said first element, said leader sheet being slidably held between overlying confining layers and being secured against movement relative to said first element only at a first portion wherein said leader sheet is joined with said first element, and means joined with said leader sheet at a second portion thereof for drawing said second portion of said leader sheet in the direction of said first portion between and in contact with said first portion and one of said confining layers to reverse the relative positions of said portions and the surfaces of said leader sheet while drawing said first element between said confining layers into superposition with said second element, said leader being provided in said second portion with a plurality of spaced apertures arranged in a line extending transversely of the direction of movement of said leader sheet and from side to side thereof for reducing the stiffness of said leader sheet in said second portion whereby said leader sheet will bend and commence rolling at said second portion substantially along said line when said second portion is drawn toward said first portion.

9. The photographic assemblage of claim 8 wherein said leader sheet is joined at a third portion to said second element and wherein said second portion of said leader sheet is located intermediate said first and third portions.

10. The photographic film assemblage of claim 8 Wherein said confining layers comprise said first element and another element disposed closely adjacent said first element.

11. The photographic film assemblage of claim 10 wherein said other element comprises said means for drawing said second portion of said leader sheet in the direction of said first portion thereof.

12. The photographic film assemblage of claim '8 wherein said leader sheet comprises a pair of sheets located in superposition and each having a plurality of spaced apertures.

13. A photographic film assemblage comprising, in combination, a photosensitive element adapted to be exposed in said assemblage, a second element positioned apart from said photosensitive element, means for holding said second element substantially stationary while said photosensitive element is drawn into superposition with said second element, a connecting sheet for connecting said photosensitive and second elements and drawing said photosensitive element into superposition with said second element, said sheet being secured at a first portion to said second element, and a leader sheet joined with said connecting sheet at a second portion thereof for drawing said second portion of said connecting sheet in the direction of said first portion for reversing the relative positions of said portions and the surfaces of said connecting sheet while drawing said photosensitive element into superposition with said second element, said connecting sheet being provided in said second portion with a plurality of spaced apertures arranged in a line extending transversely of the direction in which said connecting sheet is drawn and substantially from side to side of said connecting sheet for so reducing the stiffness of said second portion that said second portion will break and commence rolling when it is drawn toward said first portion.

14. The photographic film assemblage of claim 13 wherein said connecting sheet is joined at a third portion to said photosensitive element, and said second portion of said connecting sheet is located intermediate said first and third portions thereof.

15. The photographic film assemblage of claim 13 wherein said connecting sheet is confined between said second element and another confining element located closely adjacent one another.

16. The photographic film assemblage of claim 15 wherein said other confining element comprises said leader sheet.

17. The photographic film assemblage of claim 13 wherein said connecting sheet comprises a pair of sheets arranged in superposition and each having a row of spaced apertures extending substantially from side to side thereof.

18. A photographic film assemblage comprising, in combination, a container; a film unit in said container comprising a photosensitive element adapted to be exposed, and a second element positioned apart from said photosensitive element and adapted to be superposed with said photosensitive element; said container including a first opening through which the photosensitive element can be exposed and a second opening through which said film unit can be withdrawn; said film unit being disposed within said container with said photosensitive element in position for exposure in alignment with said first opening and said second element located to the side of said photosensitive element opposite said first opening in overlying relation with said photosensitive element; said film unit including a connecting sheet for joining said photosensitive and second elements and drawing said photosensitive element from exposure position into superposition with said second element on the side of said second element opposite said first opening, said sheet being secured at a first portion to said second element, and a leader sheet joined with said connecting sheet at a second portion thereof and extending from said container through said second opening for drawing said second portion of said connecting sheet in the direction of said first portion and said second opening for reversing the relative positions of said portions and the surfaces of said connecting sheet while drawing said photosensitive element into superposition with said second element; said connecting sheet being provided in said second portion with a multiplicity said connecting sheet is located intermediate said first and third portions thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent to said photosensitive element and said second portion of 10 2,447,468

UNITED STATES PATENTS Randall Nov. 12, 1935 Stompe Apr. 26, 1938 Tasker June 9, 1942 Reyniers Aug. 17, 1948 

